Production Docker Deploys &
Zero-Downtime Swaps
Self-hosted developer PaaS that builds containers from your local source, spins up ephemeral preview branches with cloned databases, and performs atomic Caddy traffic swaps.
→ Resolving application target from explita.json
✓ Source packed into tarball (2.4 MB) & pushed to deploy host
✓ Docker image built: registry.local/web-core:preview-d79
⚡ Cloned production PostgreSQL database → preview-db-d79
✓ Container health check 200 OK • Caddy routing updated
Preview URL: https://preview-d79.tunnel.explita.ng
Linked Database: postgresql://user:***@postgres:5432/preview-db-d79
Self-Hosted Docker PaaS For Modern Teams
Everything you need to orchestrate containers, preview branches, and manage databases on your own servers without SaaS vendor lock-in.
Zero-Downtime Traffic Swaps
Deploy containers with automated HTTP health-checks before switching live traffic. Atomic Caddy proxy reloads prevent dropped connections.
Preview Database Cloning
Spin up isolated preview environments that automatically clone production PostgreSQL or MySQL schemas and seed data for safe staging testing.
Auto-Managed TLS & Domains
Attach custom apex domains and subdomains instantly with zero manual certificate provisioning via automated Caddy integration.
One-Command Instant Rollback
Revert to any previous release tag in seconds with "eda rollback" without rebuilding images or triggering downtime.
Docker Image Orchestration
eda automatically detects ports from your Dockerfile, archives source code, pushes to your server, and caches build layers.
Encrypted Environment Variables
Push, pull, and set environment variables securely using "eda env set / get". Values are stored encrypted and injected at container runtime.
Automated S3 Database Snapshots
Scheduled cron database backups, manual dumps, and S3 snapshot uploads with instant point-in-time restore capability.
System Health & Doctor CLI
Run "eda doctor" to inspect Docker daemon health, disk utilization, database backup statuses, and Caddy configurations.
Alerting & Notifications
Get notified instantly on Slack, Discord, Telegram, or Webhooks whenever container deployments succeed, fail health checks, or restart.
Instant Maintenance Mode
Activate maintenance mode with a single command to display a customizable branded splash screen while running updates.
Why Teams Choose Explita Deploy
A lightweight, developer-first alternative to heavy container dashboards. Built from the ground up for atomic traffic swaps, preview databases, and instant CLI-driven rollbacks.
| Capabilities | Explita Deploy | Coolify | Dokku | Portainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zero-Downtime Traffic SwapsTraffic Routing | Atomic Caddy + Health Checks | Traefik rolling swap | CHECKS file required | Manual / Downtime |
Preview Database Auto-CloningStaging & Previews | Native (--clone-db) | Manual setup | Manual dump/restore | No |
1-Command Release RollbacksDeployments | eda rollback [id] (<1s) | Web UI redeploy | dokku rollback | Manual tag recreate |
Primary Control Form FactorDeveloper Experience | CLI-First (eda) & API | Full Web Dashboard GUI | CLI / Git-Push | Full Web Dashboard GUI |
Integrated Reverse Tunnel PreviewsPreviews | Native (explita tunnel) | Cloudflare tunnel add-on | External plugin | No |
Control Plane RAM FootprintResources | ~90 MB RAM (Fastify) | ~1.5 GB+ (PHP/Laravel/DB) | ~50 MB (Bash) | ~150 MB (Go) |
In-Container Cron SchedulerBackground Tasks | Native with history & exit codes | Host cron | Plugin required | No |
Multi-Cloud S3 Snapshot BackupsBackups | AWS S3, R2, MinIO, Wasabi | S3 backup | Plugin required | Business edition only |
Open Source Self-HostingLicensing | 100% Free & Open Source | Open Source / Cloud tiers | Open Source (BSD) | Freemium (CE / Business) |
Explita Deploy Quickstart Guide
Deploy your first Docker container with zero-downtime traffic routing in minutes.
Step 1: Initialize Project Configuration
Detects your Dockerfile, container port, and creates an explita.json config in your repo.
eda init
Step 2: Deploy to Production with Auto-HTTPS Tunnel
Packs source, builds Docker container, runs health-check, and performs a zero-downtime traffic swap.
eda -n my-app -p 3000 -t
Step 3: Deploy an Isolated Branch Preview with Cloned DB
Clones production PostgreSQL database into an isolated preview container with temporary URL.
eda --preview --clone-db
Step 4: Promote Preview to Production Once Verified
Promotes the tested container to production with instant zero-downtime routing swap.
eda promote <id>
eda Command & Flag Reference
Options available when running eda [options].
| Flag / Command | Description |
|---|---|
| eda [options] | Build and deploy local source to server with zero-downtime swap |
| -a, --app <id> | Target application ID (auto-resolved from explita.json) |
| -n, --name <name> | Application name for initial deployment registration |
| -p, --port <port> | Container port (auto-detected from Dockerfile if omitted) |
| -d, --domain <domain> | Attach custom production apex domain or subdomain |
| -t, --tunnel | Create automated public HTTPS tunnel for this application |
| --preview | Deploy to private preview tunnel before promoting to production |
| --clone-db [keys] | Clone production PostgreSQL / MySQL for preview container |
| -c, --health-check <path> | HTTP health check endpoint before routing traffic (default: "/") |
| eda rollback [id] | Zero-downtime instant rollback to a previous release tag |
| eda env set <KEY=VAL> | Store encrypted environment variables for container |
| eda db backup | Trigger manual database dump and upload snapshot to S3 |
| eda doctor | Run complete system diagnostic on Docker, Caddy, and disk |